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# Seizures, Convulsions | |
Seizures are sudden, usually brief, periods of unconsciousness or | |
changes in mental state, often with jerking movements. | |
Seizures may be caused by high fever, meningitis, dehydration, an | |
injury, malaria, poisoning, or other reasons. If none of these | |
dangerous causes of seizure seem likely, a single seizure may not be | |
a problem (although it can be very frightening to watch). | |
When seizures recur, this is often from epilepsy, a chronic condition | |
that can be controlled with medicines. See a health worker. | |
## Treatment | |
During a seizure, clear the space around the person so she does not | |
hurt herself. Turn her on her side so she does not choke if she | |
vomits. Do not hold a seizing person down or try to hold her tongue. | |
Get medical help. | |
For seizure from dehydration: After the seizure is over, give | |
rehydration fluids. | |
rehydration | |
For a seizure from meningitis: the child will need a combination of | |
specific antibiotics immediately. Start giving these on the way to | |
get help. | |
meningitis | |
For seizure from malaria: Treat the malaria as soon as possible with | |
the malaria medicines used in your region, usually artesunate. | |
Seizures and convulsions can be a sign of severe malaria, which can | |
cause death if not treated quickly. | |
malaria | |
If the seizure lasts more than 15 minutes, put liquid diazepam in the | |
anus using a syringe without a needle. Do not give more than the | |
recommended dose and do not give more than 2 doses. | |
medicines for anxiety | |
The spasms caused by tetanus can be mistaken for seizures. The jaw | |
shuts tightly (lockjaw) and the body suddenly bends back. Learn to | |
recognize early signs of tetanus. | |
tetanus | |
After a seizure, the person may be confused or drowsy. Comfort her. | |
Convulsions | |
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